A giveaway pre-election budget's being ruled out by the Taoiseach – despite an improvement in the public finances.
Enda Kenny's told the National Economic Dialogue that a maximum increase in spending and tax cuts of 1.5 billion will be stuck to.
The coalition's brought in opposition, business and society groups for two days of talks.
But they're adamant it's not a return to social partnership, but a talking out of what should be done in the budget and where Ireland should be in 20-20 and 20-25.
Opening the gathering the Taoiseach warned the coalition wouldn't go mad in the budget and tax cuts and spending increases would be limited to 1.5 billion euro.
Finance Minister Michael Noonan says everything will be looked at, but he too does not believe this is the last budget of a Government facing re-election, but the first of a new period of growth.
Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin's hit out at the mounting list of opposition promises he says can't be delivered on.
Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald isn't impressed with the process.
The talking continues for two days – but it remains to be seen what influence this has on budget 2016.
